Chicken pox - do I have to shut down?

[LingDiLong]

My DS has woken up with chicken pox this morning. I only have 3 kids on my books at the moment all of which have already had chicken pox. DS is perfectly well so far and is 7 years old so easier to look after than a baby would be with chicken pox! So do I have to shut down? I was thinking of offering parents the option to not send their kids and I wouldn't charge. Does that sound reasonable?

When my dd had chicken pox I gave parents the choice. They all said their children had already been exposed and sent them anyway. As long as they know the risk, that's fine. I also offered to refund anyone who chose not to come.

Great, that's what I'll do then. Fingers crossed they still send them, I can't afford a week off.

Oh I lied! One family was due to go on holiday two weeks later and stayed away in the hope that their child wouldn't be covered in spots at the airport.

Exactly what I'd do. Parents appreciate not having to scrabble around for emergency care.

Do keep an eye on your son, though. He's likely to sail through it, but he'll probably need lots of rest and it goes without saying that you'll have to stay at home.

Oh yes definitely staying in. We've been out and about loads so far so I don't feel too bad about that.

I agree with the others who have said to give the parents the choice. When my own children are poorly I have in the past told parents it is up to them, they can send their child to me, but if their child gets ill with the same thing, I won't be able to offer them care but they would still have to pay me if their own child was ill or they can choose to not send them in which case no fees will be charged for tho days. Doss that make sense? I have used this for some illness but others like sickness I just take the time off unpaid. With chicken pox I would do huge same as you, if they want to send them, that's fine. If not, that's fine too.

Thanks again! All families are happy to send their kids, I'm very relieved!